MARK MORAN is the latest England international boxer to sign professional terms on the back of last summer's Commonwealth Games success.

MARK MORAN is the latest England international boxer to sign professional terms on the back of last summer's Commonwealth Games success.

The Dingle bantamweight (pictured, centre, with Lee Maloney,left, and Ricky Hatton) , a bronze medalist in Manchester last summer, has signed a three-year deal with city-based Steven Vaughan management and will make his paid debut in Liverpool in four weeks' time.

The former Golden Gloves ABC star will be promoted by Frank Warren and has already been named as part of the Sports Network boss's exclusive 'Fight Skool' team of prospects.

Joining city boxers Paul Smith, Derry Mathews and Carl Wall, Moran will appear in a series of Thursday night live shows, promoted by Warren, featuring many of the UK's brightest young talents.

The 'Fight Skool' series comes to Everton Park on Thursday, October 2 - and Moran, for one, can't wait.

"I've not boxed in Liverpool for about four years," said Moran, whose last appearance in this country was a comfortable points win over the American Golden Gloves champion in London in May.

"Many of my mates haven't even seen me box, but I'm sure all of that will change now.

"Signing pro forms was always a big temptation after the Commonwealth Games, but to team up with Frank Warren and Sports Network is perfect for me."

Moran has already joined up with Speke-based training team John Rice and John Naylor, and hopes to start sparring later this week.

He added: "I started working with John Rice a few weeks ago and was always going to turn over with him if I could. I worked with him as an amateur and know how good a trainer he is, so it was an obvious move for me."

1999 Junior ABA champion Moran has been recognised as England's number one bantam-weight for the past three years but, now aged 21, felt the time was right to "punch for pay".

Vaughan Promotions boss Lee Maloney said: "Mark Moran is one of the best young boxers in the country and we are delighted to sign him up and make him part of the 'Fight Skool' programme.

"As part of that team he will be able to learn while he earns, and showcase his talents across the country." nTicket details for next month's Everton Park 'Fight Skool' show will be released early next week.